But ITV has now permanently scrapped the programme, which ran 3,320 episodes over 14 years, after uproar from Mr Dymond’s loved ones and horrified viewers.

Carolyn McCall, ITV’s CEO, announced today: “Given the gravity of recent events we have decided to end production of The Jeremy Kyle Show.

“The Jeremy Kyle Show has had a loyal audience and has been made by a dedicated production team for 14 years, but now is the right time for the show to end.

“Everyone at ITV's thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends of Steve Dymond."

The decision to axe Jeremy Kyle comes after Prime Minister Theresa May said Mr Dymond's death was a "deeply concerning case".

'NAIL IN THE COFFIN'

Earlier today The Sun revealed how host Jeremy, 53 - worth £4million - feared chiefs were looking for an excuse to axe his show for good.

Kyle, who is on a £2million-a-year contract with ITV, had told friends he was afraid of being made a scapegoat for the tragedy.

A source said: “Jeremy and those on the show are worried that this could be the nail in the coffin.

“There’s been a groundswell of criticism since the news broke of Steve’s death, and there’s a feeling from people who work on the show that top bosses might decide to use the incident as a reason to change things around.”

Despite the show being axed ITV confirmed they will look to work with Kyle, who also presents GMB, on future projects.

DRIVEN TO DEATH

Mr Dymond, from Gosports, Hants, went on the show to prove his innocence after he was accused of being unfaithful by girlfriend, Jane Callaghan.

One pal told The Sun: “He was very upset before going on the show. Steve and Jane had been together for two years and he loved her. But she said he was a compulsive liar and they claimed to have hit one another.

“He said he was doing the show to make Jane happy and save the relationship."

COURT DATE

Steve was subject to an arrest warrant at the time of his death after he failed to appear in court.

He had been ordered to pay nearly £6,000 compensation in 1997 for two counts of theft. He was due before JPs in Southampton in February — the month he split from Jane — for the non-payment of £4,329, but did not show.

The Jeremy Kyle Show has been running on ITV since July 2005 with 16 seasons airing on a daytime schedule.

It often leads viewers divided with some questioning whether Jeremy Kyle helps his guests or subjects them to ridicule.

The presenter signed a new three-year contract with ITV worth a reported £2million a year in 2014, making him one of the country's highest-earning daytime hosts.

He also hosted an American version of the show, which ran for two seasons from 2011 but was cancelled.